Potpourri…
CHOOSING A name for a new column is never easy, and requires, for one thing, loads of research which, on a tight schedule, one can ill afford the time to do.

But for this column, we wanted something unique; something with pizzazz; something that said in one word everything we wanted to say about it …and then some.

After much agonizing, and some amount of elimination, we came up with three options…

According to the online dictionary, Wikipedia, which, for convenience, many people seem to quote these days rather than the customary Webster’s or some such trite medium of reference aspiring academics like to use to impress the rest of us, the word potpourri refers to a mixture of dried, naturally fragrant plant material that used to provide a gentle natural scent around the house and to give the air a pleasant smell, while mélange, one of two alternatives, speaks of a mixture or “a motley assortment of things.”

Bouquet garni, much as we liked the sound of it, didn’t quite cut it, as it tended to lean more towards the kitchen and cooking, and what we want to do here has more to do with general housekeeping than just culinary matters.

Needless to say what our choice was, as that is self-evident.

And after going through that long spiel of a preamble, what we really want to say is that beginning this week, we — that’s the Chronicle in conjunction with the Carnegie School of Home Economics — will be bringing you, in the words of the Principal, Ms Penelope Harris, “a series of articles that will focus primarily on Home Decorating and Home Management…”

And to start the ball rolling, we will begin by looking at the beauty all around us and seeing what inspiration we could draw from it as God really intended us to do.

As Ms Harris observed: “We are well aware of all the ills that are taking place in our society, and will be the first to acknowledge the pain that many persons may be feeling as a result of these adversities. We are also aware, however, that there is beauty and sunshine and life in abundance all around us, and if we but just look around, we’re sure to find that with a minimal amount of money and time, we can lend ambience to our surroundings.”

Where is the beauty?

So, where do we begin to look for this beauty? Just about anywhere; in our gardens, our backyards, our beaches, our farms …and even our trenches. Here is a swell idea, using pointer from coconut branches to make a decorative wall plaque.

Materials needed:

1 pointer broom (not very dry)

1 tin spray paint (gold or sliver)

2 bunches of flowers

1 glue gun

6 glue sticks

1 yd. clear plastic

2 fern leaves

1wire cutter

4 yds. paper ribbon

Method:

1. Divide broom into two parts;

2. Tie broom head, using string;

3. Divide tied broom into four (4) parts, using the string to wrap the pointers from the bottom to the top;

4. Create your own shape, using the string to tie the four parts of the pointer;

5. Spray the pointers in an outdoor area;

6. Put to dry.

7. Cut the flowers off of the middle stem;

8. When pointers are dried, wrap and paste ribbons onto the four parts of the pointers, using glue gun and sticks.

9. Arrange flowers on pointers in random order.

10. Wrap the head of the pointer, using paper ribbon and paste.

11. Wrap in a clear plastic and put on display.

Some local home decoration tips

Room dividing:

Why would one need to divide a room? Easy! One may see the need to divide a room so as to create some semblance of privacy for a guest or a growing child. And these are just two reasons that come readily to mind.

Open homes are ideally suited to room dividing, as they provide plenty of space and light, but at the same time, they may be a tad difficult to manage if there are various functions taking place in that one space.

Using furniture is one way of creating spa
ce, particularly between a living-room and a dining-room. Room dividers do not necessarily have to be expensive. The following are just some ideas to get you creative juices going:

• Large leafy plants

• Garden trellis

• Curtains or blinds

• Wooden screens

• Decorative glass bricks

• Nibbi or straw screens

• Macramé curtains or hangings

• Cupboards or wall dividers

Kitchen matters

Recipe of the week: Conkie

With Black History Month almost upon us, we thought it would be nice to feature something that is reflective of the occasion. And that something we’ve chosen is the conkie, which has its roots in the descendants of Africa who came to this part of the world during the heyday of the African slave trade.

According to the historians, the month of February is designated Black History Month in remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora; the event is celebrated annually all across the United States and Canada. In the United Kingdom, however, it is celebrated in the month of October instead.

Ingredients:

1 coconut

1 lb pumpkin

1 lb cornmeal

2 oz. margarine

1 tsp black-pepper

1 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

4 oz. dried fruit

Banana leaves for wrapping

Method:

1. Grate coconut and pumpkin.

2. Add all other ingredients.

3. Stir in enough water to make mixture of dropping consistency.

4. Wipe banana leaves and heat them to make them pliable.

5. Cut into pieces of about 8 inches square; wrap around filling and tie with twine.

6. Place in boiling water and boil for about 20 – 30 minutes.

NB: If banana leaves are not available, mixture may be steamed in a greased bowl.

Bon appétit! See you next week!